Human Rights and Humanitarianism in Contemporary Conflict

The "Human Rights and Humanitarianism in Contemporary Conflict" series will showcase global practitioners who address the complexities and challenges of upholding human rights and enforcing international law during conflicts. 

Upcoming Events

Education Under Occupation in Ukraine
Rachel Denber, Human Rights Watch

March 31, 2025, 5:30-7:00 p.m, Milstein 912
Open to BC/CU ID holders. Register at this link.

Rachel Denber of Human Rights Watch will discuss research documenting how Russia has imposed its education system on approximately one million Ukrainian children in territories it occupies, where it also prohibits Ukrainian online education, practices that violate international law. Finally, she will address how these policies might impact the future of Ukrainian statehood, citizenship and national identity as Russia and the new US administration advance a conflict resolution process that will likely seek to recognize Russian annexation and territorial gains.

Moderated by Alex Cooley, Political Science and Harriman 4+1 Coordinator. 

Why We Need Post-War Journalism
Anne Poiret, Journalist and Documentary Filmmaker

April 22, 2025, 5:45-7:00 p.m., Diana 504
Open to BC/CU ID holders. Register at this link.

In a multimedia presentation, award-winning French journalist and documentary filmmaker Anne Poiret will share insights from her exploration of post-conflict zones and the ongoing humanitarian ambiguities in settings including Iraq and Syria.

Moderated by Séverine Autesserre, Political Science. 

Co-sponsored by the Alliance Program, the Columbia Journalism School, and the Saltzman Institute of War & Peace Studies.

Past Events

Climate Change, Race, and Migration
Carmen Gonzalez, Loyola University Chicago School of Law

March 5, 2025, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Current gaps in international law prevent climate-displaced persons—who are projected to exceed 1 billion by 2050—from gaining legal status when crossing international borders, leaving them vulnerable to detention, criminalization, and deportation. Carmen Gonzalez, Morris I. Leibman Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, will discuss the effects of these legal gaps.

Moderated by J.C. Salyer, Human Rights Program.